Under the Addiction Healthcare Goals flagship research leadership programme, the SSA will fund PhDs that drive innovative responses to addiction to illicit drugs and alcohol. Applications will open on 3 November 2025 and close on 15 January 2026. People awarded the studentships will be expected to start by October 2026.
On 3 November, the SSA will open applications for full-time PhD studentships. Funding will include:
- stipend and tuition fees in line with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) levels
- research and training costs of up to £3,000 over three years
Applications for clinical PhDs will also be encouraged. These could include applicants proposing ongoing clinical work (up to 20%) with an NHS, third sector, or other public health clinical healthcare provider.
Applicants must be based in a UK university and the research must focus on addiction to illicit drugs or alcohol. Research that solely focuses on nicotine, tobacco or behavioural addictions will not be eligible. Research that solely focuses on primary prevention will also not be eligible.
Strong applications for funding will demonstrate how the research aligns with:
- the ten priority questions for addiction research
- the aims of Addiction Healthcare Goals
- the aims of the UK Government’s 10-year drug strategy, ‘From Harm to Hope’
More information will be published soon about the application process. Please sign up to the PhD studentship mailing list for updates and advice. If you have any questions, please use the enquiry form below.
